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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Valencia season over as Rangers hold Reds

Valencia season over as Rangers hold Reds

Antonio Valencia is likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering a broken leg and a dislocated ankle in Manchester United's goalless draw against Rangers in the Champions League last night. The injury is similar to that suffered by Alan Smith when playing for United in an FA Cup tie at Liverpool in February 2006. Television pictures of the incident were so upsetting that Sky did not show replays, instead focusing on the reaction of Valencia's team-mates and opponents. Players from both teams were visibly distressed, many having to look away as Valencia received lengthy treatment before being carried on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance. The Ecuadorian winger appeared to catch his studs in the turf, with the Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot close to him. Photographs showed the winger's ankle hanging limply and at the wrong angle.Daniel Taylor, The Guardian

The same paper also carries an assessment of Darren Fletcher's importance to the team.

The Mirror says that Rio Ferdinand's Reserves return against Oldham offered a bigger test than Rangers' blunt attack on his first-team comeback.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Liverpool striker Fernando Torres says "it means everything to the fans" to beat United. While the paper says Wayne Rooney will take the frustration of a 0-0 draw with Rangers out on Sunday's visitors to Old Trafford.